School shootings have reached an all-time high as of 2022 according to the Center for Homeland Defense. Extensive qualitative research has been completed regarding aspects of the aftermath of school shooting tragedies, with some guidelines developed for prevention strategies. However, very little research is focused on occupational therapy providers’ (OTPs) perspectives and potential roles in addressing this crisis. One of the preventative solutions all parties agree on is a need for more extensive and comprehensive mental health services in the school system, yet there is a significant shortage of those providers. Occupational therapy providers could be utilized to help fill in that professional shortage on crisis intervention teams, as they are qualified mental health providers with mental health qualifications to help screen and provide appropriate interventions for behaviorally at-risk students. To better support OTPs in the role of crisis intervention team member, specific recommendations and guidelines for service provision are vitally important.
